Teenager Kylian Mbappe became France’s youngest World Cup goalscorer as it beat Peru 1-0 on Thursday to reach the last 16 and condemn the South Americans to an early exit.
France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, joined Uruguay and hosts Russia in the knockout rounds with one group game to go.
PSG forward Mbappe — aged 19 years and 183 days — underlined his rich talent and claimed his place in the French record books when he poked home in the first half.
Didier Deschamps’ side faces Denmark on Tuesday with the top spot in Group C up for grabs but progress to the next stage assured.
In contrast, Peru meets Australia with its fate sealed and just pride to play for in front of its passionate and large following that has visited Russia. Some Peru fans were in tears even before kick-off — a generation of Peruvians have never known their country in the World Cup before.
The South Americans’ last appearance was in 1982 and they made this like a home game, ensuring their red and white dominated the Yekaterinburg Arena. That included the two enormous temporary stands that stretch high above both ends, exposed to the elements, where Peru fans bobbed and bounced to keep warm.
The misses
Paul Pogba, the Manchester United midfielder who, a few days ago, called himself “the most criticised player in the world”, flashed a drive wide and defender Raphael Varane did the same off a header. After 15 minutes, Pogba and France began to impose themselves.
Antoine Griezmann drove straight at goalkeeper Pedro Gallese after Olivier Giroud — starting in place of Ousmane Dembele — set up the Atletico Madrid forward.
Deschamps had clearly told his side, disappointing while beating Australia 2-1 in the opener, to go long and use Giroud’s physicality.
Peru, unfortunate to lose 1-0 to Denmark in its first game, took until the half-hour to have its first serious chance, with recalled skipper Paolo Guerrero stinging the legs of Hugo Lloris. The French skipper, making his 100th appearance for his country, was a bystander for long periods.
In the 34th minute, France ahead. Pogba cleverly played in Giroud, his shot took a deflection and looped over Gallese, allowing Mbappe to stab into an open net.
Result: France 1 (Mbappe 34) bt Peru 0
